Richard Branson launches £94,000 unlimited cruise trips pass as people point out big change in how to pay

Richard Branson has launched a £94,000 cruise ship pass that gives you unlimited travel on any Virgin Voyages trip.

And the pass, which is valid for 12 months before needing to be renewed, has had a welcome reception on social media due to a 'game-changing' way of paying for the journeys.

Branson, who is worth $2.6 billion (£2.05 billion), is a household name in many parts of the world for his renowned business acumen. Having created the Virgin Group back in the 1970s, the decades since them have seen him venture in to many sectors through Virgin Records, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Trains, and Virgin Galactic.

Branson is heading in to the crypto world (John Lamparski/Getty Images)

He has an eye for a mixing it up and not putting all his eggs in one basket; with his cruise ship company Virgin Voyages being one of the more recent business ventures he has embarked on.

Offering luxury trips across the globe, he has three cruise ships and is always looking at new, bespoke things to do to entice people on board.

One of his latest offerings has been to launch an annual pass. For $120,000 (roughly £94,000) plus taxes and fees, passengers can buy the ticket giving you 'limitless' travel with the cruise line for an entire 12 months.

“I’ve always been a big believer in the power of travel and adventure to spark creativity and bring clarity," Branson said.

A Virgin Voyages ship in Sydney Harbour (Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

"What started as a sought-after ‘work from sea’ concept with our Season Pass has evolved into something even more special. Now, sailors can jump aboard any of our ships, across an endless variety of exciting destinations for an entire year.

"We’re offering unlimited opportunities for adventure in a way that has never been done in cruising before.”

Those who take up Branson's annual cruising pass will be given perks such as priority boarding, complimentary laundry services, dedicated concierge support, unlimited premium Wi-Fi, and $100 bar tab credit per voyage.

They will also get access to exclusive onboard events and experiences that 'make every voyage feel extra special', the company says.

Virgin Voyages has three ships that will soon become four (Matt Blyth/Getty Images)

And as an added benefit, passholders are welcome to add a plus one to their cabin, with the ability to travel with different companions throughout the year.

With a fourth ship being launched in 2025, called the Brilliant Lady, Branson says it is a great way to experience one of the newest ways to cruise across the world.

And in a world first, Virgin Voyages will be accepting cryptocurrency when it comes to payment methods after confirming Bitcoin was an accepted method of confirming your annual pass.

Bitcoin will be accepted as a payment method (Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"Adoption at its very best," one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, adding: "I will be spending my next summer profits with Virgin then."

"Always great to see some positive crypto news," another user posted.

A third added: "This is amazing! Virgin Voyages is leading the way by accepting. Can't wait to set sail into the future of cruising!"

And a fourth continued: "A great move by Virgin Voyages! This could be a game-changer for crypto adoption in the travel industry."

Virgin Voyages offers cruises across the world including Mediterranean, Caribbean, and North America. The annual pass is available on a first-come, first-served basis through to 31 March, 2025.